gastroenterology..

[Kellybee]

Hi all ..

I've had another call from the DR today to say the Haemotologists recommend I be referred to gastroenterology .. Has anyone else had this? Or know what I should expect? Thank you in advance

[ellj]

Hi, this may not be the reason at all so please don't panic just wanted to say I have PA and Hypothyroidism while my sons both have Crohns and it is believed there may be a connection.

I am sure someone else will be along with better info than me.

Best wishes

Ell

[Gambit62 Administrator]

It may just be links between PA and gastric atrophy and related conditions.

[19191919]

i went as well as iron levels very low. they gave me a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. found diverticulosis and mild stomach atrophy they said explained b12 problem. Not pleasnt but reassuring. good luck x

[fbirder]

I'm off for my fourth gastroscopy on Wednesday. It seems your haematologist is one of those that realise that Pernicious Anaemia is actually a disease of the stomach and that the anaemia is just a consequence. Many seem to be blind to anything outside the blood.

The process itself isn't too bad. You'll have a session with a nurse and she'll ask you if you want to be sedated or to have a local anaesthetic spray on the back of the throat. I've always gone for the spray. Then you'll be taken into the room where the machine is. you'll be given a mouthpiece to bite on, with a hole in the middle where the endoscope tube goes.

The tube going down the throat is the unpleasant bit. Once they are in there they'll have a look around for any sign of gastric atrophy, Helicobacter pylori infection, and any polyps (which are nearly always harmless). They'll also pop into the duodenum and check for coeliacs.

They should take several biopsy samples to look at the cells of the stomach.

[Kellybee]

Thanks for the info all..

I do feel lucky to have a GP and consultant that care enough to listen to my concerns and take action... I really can't fault any of the treatment I've received so far.

But from what I read often it seems I'm just one of the lucky ones and good care of this condition doesn't come as standard.

[Ashweb901]

I was Dxd with B12 deficiency in 1995. Then IBS-D in 1997-8. Then IBS-C from about 2002 through present. Once they were able to do a successful colonoscopy (first time around they had to abort mission), my doctor saw that I have an extra long, extra twisty colon. So I think that is connected to the absorption issues I have. Also, when I avoid wheat/gluten I fare far better all around. But still have chronic C. Doctor assures me it's just my long colon and not that I need more water, more fiber, more exercise, etc. My grandmother has Crohn's and my cousin has micro-ulcerative colitis.

Personally, I'm still curious about the extra large red cells I have and the smallish number of them. Even when my B12 numbers are good my MCV and MCH are still out of normal range. I think it affects my memory.... but so far no doctor has been intrigued enough to pursue it.